Anti-Nazi protesters form giant human chain in Dresden

Thousands of people have formed a human chain around the city of Dresden to protest against a far-right march on the 66th anniversary of the Allied bombing of the city during World War II.

The Allied bombing of the eastern German city of Dresden during World War II has in recent years become an opportunity exploited by far-right groups holding demonstrations.

This year, however, some 17,000 people braved freezing temperatures on Sunday to protest against the neo-Nazis by forming a giant human chain around the city.

The thousands of people wore white roses pinned on their lapels and encircled the city center for 10 minutes while bells tolled from the churches. The White Rose was the name given to a group of students in Munich who opposed Adolf Hitler's regime.

"When we remember the victims of the Dresden bombings today, we remember all the victims of Nazi violence and World War II," said Detlef Sittel, Dresden's mayor. "There are so many people here who want to express their opinion clearly and make Dresden a tolerant, friendly and strong city, open to the world."...